This is a list of Australian words, phrases, slang, jargon, idioms, and colloquialisms (also known as “Australianisms”). The expression of words in an Australian accent has been described as “Strine” (which is the stereotypical way that Aussies say the word “Australian”). The vernacular of … [Read More...] about Australian slang, words, and phrases
Main Content
Topics
This list of topics provides an introduction to various aspects of Australian history, heritage, and culture. Each listing includes links to a number of sources of information held on this site. It is intended to expand the list to cover a wide range of issues. There are thousands of different … [Read More...] about Topics
Significant events and commemorative dates
A list of commemorative dates and historical events which are significant in terms of Australia’s national identity and culture. These are dates which are celebrated or commemorated Australia-wide (or have been in the past), or which are significant to Australia’s historical development. * Days … [Read More...] about Significant events and commemorative dates
Timeline of Australian history and culture
This list is a timeline of various events which are considered to be significant in Australian history and in the development of Australian culture. The deaths of various significant people are included; although their births, which were not significant at the time, are not listed — however, births … [Read More...] about Timeline of Australian history and culture
Significant Australiana
This list includes: Animals; Architecture; Art; Artists; Authors; Books; Bushrangers; Clothes; Entertainment; Explorers; Fictional characters; Flora; Food; Icons; Landmarks; Military; Music: Folk songs and early songs; Music: Singers; Music: Songs; Poetry; Rebels and rebellions; Sports; Stories and … [Read More...] about Significant Australiana
Recommended poetry
This list includes some of the best poetry produced by Australian writers. Whilst choosing the best of Australian poetry is a subjective matter, it is believed that these poems represent some of the best, or most enjoyable, poetic works that our nation has to offer. This is not a definitive … [Read More...] about Recommended poetry
Early music [videos]
Music from the early years of Australia. Arranged chronologically by years of prominent activity. These are “music videos”, but not necessarily video footage of the original artists. For music after this period, see the entry for “Rock music and pop music”. song: The Song of Australia [performed … [Read More...] about Early music [videos]
Folk music and bush music [videos]
Folk music has been described as music which has been passed around by word of mouth, being music which has survived by being embedded in the heart of the people. To this we could add what has been described as “contemporary folk music”, being music of a similar style to traditional folk music. Both … [Read More...] about Folk music and bush music [videos]
Rock music and pop music [videos]
Australian rock and roll, pop music, and Top 40 hits. Songs, singers, musicians, and groups. Mostly pop and rock from the 1950s up to the present. Arranged chronologically by years of prominent activity. Johnny O’Keefe [rock singer, 1956 to 1978] Slim Dusty [country music singer and … [Read More...] about Rock music and pop music [videos]
Books and booklets
Various books and booklets of Australian literature. [Arranged alphabetically by title.] Around the Boree Log and Other Verses [by John O’Brien, 1921] Poems by John O’Brien (Patrick Joseph Hartigan). The Australian Crisis [by C. H. Kirmess, 1909] An “invasion novel”, about a Japanese … [Read More...] about Books and booklets
Featured articles
The charge of the Australian Light Horse at the Battle of Beersheba
There has been much debate regarding the famous photograph of the charge of the Australian Light Horse at the Battle of Beersheba … [Read More...] about The charge of the Australian Light Horse at the Battle of Beersheba
Drop Bears
Drop Bears are a native Australian mammal, which can be found in bushland areas, especially in those habitats with a dense distribution of … [Read More...] about Drop Bears
Significant events
May Day
Various articles relating to May Day, and May Day celebrations. May Day has long been observed in European cultures, as a celebration of … [Read More...] about May Day
The Melbourne Cup [horse race]
The Melbourne Cup The Melbourne Cup is the most famous horse race in Australia. It began in 1861 and has been held every year since. It … [Read More...] about The Melbourne Cup [horse race]
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day, commemorated each year on the 11th of November, was established as a way of paying homage to those who fought and died … [Read More...] about Remembrance Day
Anzac Day
Articles, letters, and poems regarding Anzac Day, the Anzacs, the Gallipoli landings, and the Dardanelles campaign. Heroes of the … [Read More...] about Anzac Day
Featured posts
Brian Cadd [music videos and biography]
Brian Cadd (born in Perth, Western Australia, on 29 November 1946) was in two prominent Australian bands, The Groop (1966 to 1969) and Axiom … [Read More...] about Brian Cadd [music videos and biography]
Under the Southern Cross I Stand [the Australian cricket team’s victory song]
[Updated 31 January 2022, with videos.] Under the Southern Cross I stand, A sprig of wattle in my hand, A native of my native … [Read More...] about Under the Southern Cross I Stand [the Australian cricket team’s victory song]
Featured poetry
Core of My Heart [“My Country”, poem by Dorothea Mackellar, 24 October 1908]
[Editor: This famous poem by Dorothea Mackellar was first published in The Spectator (London, UK) on 5 September 1908; it was originally … [Read More...] about Core of My Heart [“My Country”, poem by Dorothea Mackellar, 24 October 1908]
Bell-Birds [poem by Henry Kendall]
[Editor: This poem by Henry Kendall was published in Leaves from Australian Forests (1869).] Bell-Birds. By channels of coolness the … [Read More...] about Bell-Birds [poem by Henry Kendall]
Latest posts
Theft of golden washdirt [crime, 16 October 1903]
[Editor: This article, regarding the theft of gold-laden wash-dirt, was published in The Bendigo Independent (Bendigo, Vic.), 16 October … [Read More...] about Theft of golden washdirt [crime, 16 October 1903]
Newtown Police Court [crimes, 28 March 1885]
[Editor: This article was published in Evening News (Sydney, NSW), 28 March 1885.] Newtown Police Court. Saturday, March 28. Mr. … [Read More...] about Newtown Police Court [crimes, 28 March 1885]
The Light on the Hill [speech by Ben Chifley, 12 June 1949]
[Editor: This speech by Ben Chifley (1885-1951) was made whilst he was Prime Minister of Australia (1945-1949); it was given at the annual … [Read More...] about The Light on the Hill [speech by Ben Chifley, 12 June 1949]
Among the ice: An Australian’s experiences [22 January 1914]
[Editor: This article, regarding the seafaring life of Keith W. Ramsay, was published in the Education Gazette and Teachers’ Aid (Melbourne, … [Read More...] about Among the ice: An Australian’s experiences [22 January 1914]
A sovereign people [by W. G. Spence, 2 July 1908]
[Editor: This article, by W. G. Spence, regarding the Swiss style of government and democracy, was published in The Worker (Wagga Wagga, … [Read More...] about A sovereign people [by W. G. Spence, 2 July 1908]
Types of language
Elsewhere on this site is a list of Australian terminology, being a collection of slang, idioms, and colloquialisms used in Australia. The … [Read More...] about Types of language
To a China Shepherdess [poem, 28 January 1953]
[Editor: This poem, by “Graftonite”, was published in The Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW), 28 January 1953.] To a China Shepherdess A … [Read More...] about To a China Shepherdess [poem, 28 January 1953]
A Vision of Peace [poem by Edward Hunt, 5 August 1946]
[Editor: This poem, by Edward Hunt, was published in The Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW), 5 August 1946.] A Vision of Peace Since man … [Read More...] about A Vision of Peace [poem by Edward Hunt, 5 August 1946]
A Disastrous Fire [a news report of young heroism, 11 September 1897]
[Editor: This article is an extract from the general news section published in The Bendigo Advertiser (Bendigo, Vic.), 11 September … [Read More...] about A Disastrous Fire [a news report of young heroism, 11 September 1897]
The old Breakwater Pier lighthouse-keeper [humorous anecdote, 17 June 1893]
[Editor: This untitled article was published in the “Society” section of The Bulletin (Sydney, NSW), 17 June 1893.] [The old Breakwater … [Read More...] about The old Breakwater Pier lighthouse-keeper [humorous anecdote, 17 June 1893]
Featured items
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day, commemorated each year on the 11th of November, was established as a way of paying homage to those who fought and died … [Read More...] about Remembrance Day
Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly
Aussie was originally an Australian Army periodical published in France, as Aussie: The Australian Soldiers’ Magazine. When its editor, … [Read More...] about Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly
Introduction and links
The Institute of Australian Culture: An introduction
Welcome to our website! The Institute of Australian Culture aims to provide a wealth of Australian cultural assets, so as to enable … [Read More...] about The Institute of Australian Culture: An introduction
Links
The following links may be useful for those researching Australian history, culture, and associated fields. Australian … [Read More...] about Links